Cong Phuong's performance wasn't impressive, but it turned out to be a stroke of luck for HAGL.

When Cong Phuong went missing

After 9 matches in the V-League, Cong Phuong contributed 2 out of HAGL's total 11 goals. That's certainly not a bad number for a striker who is so well-marked like the one from the team from Pleiku.

However, the way Cong Phuong has scored goals so far has been unimpressive, as all of them have come from penalty kicks, instead of scoring in the same way that Minh Vuong, Xuan Truong, or Van Toan have done for their team.

It's not that we don't acknowledge Cong Phuong's contributions or goals for HAGL. But clearly, as mentioned, those who admire the striker from Nghe An want to see Phuong score more difficult goals instead of being set up by others as he has been.

But this seems impossible for Cong Phuong, because despite being given countless opportunities, the striker, a favorite of coach Park Hang Seo, has failed to convert them, even missing them in rather unfortunate ways, leading to ever-increasing disappointment for Cong Phuong.

HAGL is on a lucky streak.

If Cong Phuong had been successful with just 50% of the clear-cut chances created for him by his teammates, HAGL might now be in a much better position in the V-League 2018 standings.

However, Công Phượng's failure to score or his lack of finishing ability is actually a good thing for HAGL, as it creates opportunities for others to shine. Or simply, it reduces the "burden" of having to create chances for the team's number one striker.

Minh Vương scored goals in this way, as the player, who is particularly favored by coach Park Hang Seo, created opportunities for himself instead of having to look for Công Phượng to create chances for him. Ironically, when Công Phượng was absent, HAGL's attacks became more effective. This was because Văn Toàn and Minh Vương were free to play as they pleased, instead of trying to create chances for their teammates and missing opportunities.

Van Toan has also played better under pressure to pass to his long-time teammates to score, so although he hasn't scored many goals yet, the striker from Hai Duong is rediscovering his form, playing a key role in the team's attacks and goals.

Without Công Phượng's significant contribution, HAGL naturally faces difficulties in their attacking strategies. However, in return, the players surrounding Công Phượng have performed better without having to constantly serve the striker from Nghệ An.

Of course, more than ever, HAGL needs Cong Phuong to return soon. The road ahead is not easy for the team from the mountain town, as their goal is a high position to motivate them for the next season with the aspiration of winning the league, as desired by Chairman Duc. And because Phuong remains firmly in the hearts of HAGL fans.